England torn apart by Fernando

Sunday 14 January 2007 00:10 BST

A stunning burst from seamer Dilhara Fernando helped Sri Lanka secure a comprehensive victory in the final one-day international against England.

Chasing Sri Lanka's modest total of 211 at the Premadasa Stadium, the tourists had hoped to wrap up another victory to clinch a 4-1 series triumph before returning to their hotel in time to watch England's rugby heroes take on France in the World Cup semi-final.

But instead of the final match ending their successful tour on a high, England were dismissed for a lowly 104 in only 29.1 overs to earn Sri Lanka a 107-run triumph. Fernando finished with impressive figures of six for 27.

England captain Paul Collingwood told Sky Sports 2 afterwards: "We are obviously disappointed with the result - but that will take no gloss off our overall performance in the series.

"We've come a long way and learned a hell of a lot.

"We had to adapt very quickly to Sri Lankan conditions, and I am very proud of the boys."

Collingwood's opposite number Mahela Jayawardene said: "We started the tournament brilliantly and finished it brilliantly - but in the middle played some pretty ordinary cricket.

"The whole tournament was very well fought - and England deserved to win it."